Page 81 of Like You Love Me

She let out a sigh. “Because I knew you would be angry.”

His brow rose. “So, because youassumedI would be angry, you decided not to tell me?”

She looked away, avoiding the question. “I needed time to figure out how I felt about Collin being in Sierra’s life.”

“Are you saying I don’t have a right because I’m not her biological father?”

Sitting up straight, Bianca met his glare andshook her head. “Of course not. But I felt it was a decision I needed to make first before sharing with you.”

“Anything involving Sierra should be a decision that we make together. She is my daughter. The day we married was the day we—you and me—decided she would be a Brown, and nothing about that has changed, at least I hope not.”

“No, of course not,” she replied soothingly. “Sierra will always be your daughter. That will never change.”

He frowned at her. “Then, if I am her father, why did you feel like you couldn’t tell me?”

Choking back a surge of fear, she replied, “I don’t know.”

London released a frustrated breath. “I think what bothers me the most is that you kept it from me.” He placed a hand on her knee. “Baby, I understand your need for independence was something you struggled to achieve growing up as the only girl with three brothers, but I am your husband and decisions like this should be made together. You knew Collin was spending time with my daughter, yet you didn’t tell me.”

Bianca inhaled a deep, shuddering breath. “I was afraid.”

“Afraid of what?” he asked, his brown eyes locked onto hers.

Her stomach lurched. “Afraid that…” She couldn’t finish the thought and tried again. “I was afraid of what might happen to us. You married me because of Sierra. I was afraid that if Collin were back in her life, you would be so pissed you would regret ever marrying me and decide there was no reason for us to continue to stay together.”

“Never.” His fingers tightened on the leggings covering her knee. “Baby, I may have married you because you were pregnant, but I stayed because I love you.”

“I love you too.” A long silence passed between them. “Believe me when I tell you I never expected Collin to come back.”

“But he did,” London replied between clenched teeth. “How do you think it makes me feel to know you’ve been sneaking around all these months and hadn’t said a word to me?” he said accusingly.

“I know.” She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. “And I’m sorry. I didn’t want Collin anywhere near Sierra and even tried to pay him to walk away. But he refused to take the money, and after a while, I realized it was no longer up to me. I was so scared of what you would say and do when you found out.”

Something dark and possessive flashed in his eyes. “I would have said no because Collin gave up that right and has no business asking us to share her.” Bianca prepared to say something before London held up a hand, halting her response. “But that would’ve been myinitialreaction because the situation pisses me off.” His eyes searched hers. “Now that my daughter knows, I’ve had time to think about it, and I’ve had a change of heart. Sierra does have a right to decide. As much as it pains me to even think of that man being in her life, with her calling him her father, I know it’s not about me and how I feel but how Sierra feels. She wants to know him, meet her brothers and be a part of their lives.” London paused to shrug. “No matter how I feel, I can’t deny my daughter a chance to know her biological family.”

Bianca swallowed tightly while searching his face. “Do you mean that?”

Of course, I do.” He angled his head. “And I’m not saying it just to be saying it.” He pointed out dryly. “Part of me is even glad she found out because if she hadn’t, I would’ve been totally against the whole thing until she was grown and no longer under our roof. All I can do is continue to be the best father I can be for her and hope that that’s enough.”

The uncertainty Bianca saw melted her heart and caused tears to her eyes. “She loves you. I don’t think you’ll ever have to worry about that.”

His eyes met hers with a hopeful smile. “Honeybee will have a bond with him that she may never have with me.” There was a jealous edge to his voice.

“And she’ll have a bond with you that she’ll never have with him,” Bianca said, reaching up and caressing his face. “You’ve had a seven-year head start as her father, and nothing about that will change.” Her gaze locked with his. “I am sorry about all of this. I should have been honest with you from day one instead of assuming that you would be angry enough to end our marriage.” She forced a smile as she said apologetically, “And I have taken on the responsibility of my own. I should’ve shared it with you. And I hope you can forgive me.”

The barest hint of a smile curved his lips. “Babe, I forgave you the moment you told me you were sorry. I’m not perfect.” His soft gaze roamed over her face. “But it’s important that we talk. Even if I’m going to be angry, I still want you to be able to come to me and talk about anything.”

Leaning into him, Bianca rested her head on his shoulder. “I promise, baby, I will never hide anything from you ever again.”

“And that’s all I can ask. And I promise to keep an open mind.”

“An open mind?” She bolted upright and met his gaze. “Since when?”

“Okay, I promise to listen and not overreact,” he murmured, fighting the tug of a grin.

“Okay, I can accept that just as long as you don’t stop loving me.”

He tenderly cradled her face between his hands. “I love you and Sierra more than anything in the world, and there’s nothing I won’t do for either one of you. I hope you know that?”

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